‘Jagdev Singh Jassowal was an institution in himself’

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 22

People from different walks of life have mourned the death of Punjabi culture patron Jagdev Singh Jassowal. A former MLA, he was much recognised for promoting the Punjabi culture and folk arts. Jassowal died at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana on Monday morning. He was 80, and is survived by wife and two sons.

Hira Singh Gabria, senior Akali leader; Malkeet Singh Dakha, district president of the Rural Congress; and Baba Ajit Singh, Akali leader, visited Jassowal’s residence and offered their condolences to the bereaved family.

Manish Tewari, former Cabinet Minister, expressed grief on his death. Tewari said: “We have family relations with Jassowal. My father was his classmate. His death has come as a shock to me”.

Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, said Jaswant Singh Jassowal was an institution in himself. He initiated Prof Mohan Singh Yaadgari Mela in which people from areas across Punjab used to participate.

Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, said: “His family contributed a lot to the establishment of the university and Jassowal contributed his life to culture and art,” said the VC. A mourning prayer was organised on the university campus.

Gurbhajan Singh Gill, former president of the Punjabi Sahit Akademi, said: “He had served Punjabi culture and art for 36 years. He promoted the Punjabi culture across the world. His contribution to the Punjabi music industry is immense. He stood tall among others,” said Gurbhajan Gill.

The Punjabi Sahit Akademi also mourned Jassowal’s death. Sukhdev Singh Sirsa, president of the akademi, said Jassowal was a man with unlimited energy. He worked for Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat his whole life. The Malwa Sabhyachar Manch organised a mourning prayer at the grain market on Gill Road. KK Bawa, president of the Malwa Sabhyachar Manch, said Punjab would never forget its cultural hero.